DSS #27 - What do you think?

anonymouscuban

This idea came to me from a dream I had last night. Kind of bizarre but I was some place alone, I can't really make out where, but I had nothing, no clothes, no money, and I recall feeling like someone had taken everything away from me by force. I remember dreaming that I kept assuring myself that all I needed for protection were my fists. That they couldn't take them away from me. Don't remember much more.

Well... I tried a few dfferent concepts and I like this one the most. How's it look on your monitor? Looks pretty good on mine. Is the conversion OK? How are the highlights?



Not sure of the title... kicking around these ideas:

• Army of Two (or Ten)
• Fingers United
• Ten Become Two

Thanks for looking and commenting.

Alex

Benjer

Alex, that's a cool story of inspiration. I think it's a compelling image, too - staring at it, the fists almost look like they're moving toward me! DOF is just right for this, and though the highlights are pretty intense I can see just enough detail close up. That said, maybe taming the highlights just a bit will help the whole image set a little better.

Then again, the burning intensity of the knuckles has impact, so to speak. But ultimately, since this is more of a portrait than an action shot, I think subduing the foreground exposure would make it stronger overall. Maybe...?

Regardless it's very well done and the composition is solid.

ghinson

Looks great. Sharp. Nice DOF.

Call it "Meet my uncle, Harry Knuckles."

anonymouscuban

Ben,

Thanks for the suggestions. Yeah... I need to adjust my monitor a bit. I've been getting comments that the highlights are a bit strong on pictures I've posted lately, but yet on my monitor they look OK.

I made some adjustments to the image (above). I used the local adjustment brush to reduce the exposure a bit on my hands. Then I added a second layer to paint the outline of the my fists and also the spaces between my fingers and then did some selective contrast adjusted there too to bring out a bit more contrast and detail. I then brought down the dark tones on the overall image a bit to give a little more drama.

Better? Or did I make it worse?

BTW Ghinson... I do have some hairy knuckles. I've never really noticed until looking at this picture. Maybe I will get them waxed.

Benjer

Good job on reworking the Knuckle Twins - a big improvement! Now don't punch me, but I think the background in the first version is better.

anonymouscuban

OK... new Knuckles, old background below:

richtersl

DOF is great! The fists look like they're jumping out of the photo.

Katmitchell

uh.... I liked number one Cuban.. the balance was just right........ the final process is way too bright... I feel like there is loss of mastery in the old PS when I look at that one.... even the second one is good and has a little more punch, but this last one... BOOM.. a little on the bright side.. could be my monitor, will have to see what others think..



OK>>> EDIT >> I was looking at them backwards... when typing.. "The newest one looks super".... I was looking at the first one when referencing them....


So... the final image rework here >> works great... nice process..



By the way, this is very artistic.. and that is your strength from what I have seen...

I like artistic shots.. a lot.... kuddos...

and uh.. guys are "supposed to have hairy knuckles" !!!

ic4u

I like it I like your title Ten Become Two...very clever!

DsrtVW

I like the last rework. Title The Power of Ten

Katmitchell

ya know it reminds me of the last installment of the matrix movie..

"KNUCKLE UP" ... ha ha..